PSA testing can be confusing for some men. What do the numbers mean? And, do high numbers really mean you have prostate cancer?
Very good questions.
And, the reason these questions are asked so often is due to all the conflicting information floating around.
It used to be thought that high levels of prostate specific antigen in your blood was almost a cancer sentence and it has led to many unnecessary prostate biopsies and, in some gruesome cases, prostate removal.
Unfortunately, PSA testing is not that accurate.
Yes, it is a good test to do -- but do not rely on the results as indication you do or don't have any prostate problems. There have been many cases where someone had high PSA numbers and had absolutely nothing wrong with their prostates whatsoever. There have also been many cases where men had low PSA test numbers and still ended up having prostate cancer.
Does that mean the test it worthless?
And that you should not have it done?
Not necessarily.
Yes, in a sense the numbers are worthless -- especially since so many other things can influence them (even just having sex the night before the test may be able to influence the numbers).
But, at the same time, it is still useful.
Especially if your numbers are trending up or down each time you get it done.
A good goal is still to get your PSA lower, so as far as that goes the PSA testing is a good thing, and something every man should do.
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Testing,Prostate,Cancer,Sense,Numbers
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